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OPINION

Families should bring all members to farmer's market, including furry ones

I, unlike the previous two letters to the editor writers, am very happy that people bring their dogs to Salem’s Saturday market.

In fact, I’d encourage more of it. The Saturday market is fun. It’s an opportunity to get outside and explore local vendors in an environment reminiscent of a bazaar.

One minute you’re looking at handcrafted jewelry the next sampling some artisan bread with locally harvested organic honey. It’s an experience.

But what really makes the market fun are the families who come to participate in it. And for most, a family includes the dog..

According to Prof. John Archer from the University of Central Lancashire, 48 percent of people identify their dog as a family member. 73 percent let their dogs sleep with them, and 40 percent celebrate their dog's birthday.

We literally, as a species, love our dogs. Most of us anyway.

I love seeing people with their dogs at the Saturday market because I love seeing people enjoying the day with their family; and to me and these people – dogs are part of our families.

So please, if you’re going to spend the day at the market bring your family with you; including your fur-babies.